A Leitchfield man convicted in Grayson County of abusing a toddler has been arrested in Millwood after a deputy responded to a man with a gun prowler complaint.
Andrew S. Hale, 36, was arrested by Grayson County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jason Luedke Friday morning at approximately 5:00 in the 800 block of Watershed Road.
Luedke responded to the area after a resident told Grayson County Central Dispatch that he observed a man with what appeared to be a firearm walking near the railroad tracks not far from the caller’s residence.
In an update for Luedke as he was en route from Leitchfield (where he had been working a traffic stop), the caller stated that he thought the man had entered a nearby wooded area. Upon Luedke arriving at the scene, the sergeant quickly made contact with Hale and took him into custody at gunpoint.
Hale was arrested and charged with first-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer, a felony, menacing and alcohol intoxication in a public place. He was lodged in the Grayson County Detention Center.
(“A person is guilty of menacing when he intentionally places another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury,” according to Kentucky Revised Statute 508.50. The charge is a class B misdemeanor.)
Upon law enforcement arriving, they found Hale was intoxicated and had physically attacked his girlfriend by kicking her and striking her in the head. Hale’s girlfriend left the room after the assault. She then heard a loud “clap” and screaming after Hale struck her three-year-old child, police said.
According to authorities, the toddler had “obvious” injuries, as the toddler displayed redness, swelling and scratches to the face, neck and ear. Police said Hale struck the toddler in the head because he was playing with a cellphone, instead of playing with toys.
The incident began when Hale asked his girlfriend to drive him to Leitchfield to purchase more alcohol. When she refused, Hale said he’d drive himself, but his girlfriend would not allow him.
Hale was charged with criminal abuse of a child under the age of 12, domestic violence assault and endangering the welfare of a minor.
He was later convicted of second-degree criminal attempt of criminal abuse (victim under the age of 12) and fourth degree assault. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison and is on probation until June 2024, according to the Kentucky Department of Corrections.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
